The home health aide caring for a home bound hospice client calls to inform the nurse that the client has reported feeling constipated. Which task should the nurse instruct the home health aide to perform?

Choice A Reason: Asking the client why he does not want to be weighed is not a priority action because it does not address the need to obtain his daily weight. The nurse should first try to find a way to weigh the client without causing him discomfort or distress.

Choice B Reason: This is the correct answer because weighing the client using a bed scale can avoid the need for

transferring him from the bed to a standing scale, which may be difficult or painful for him. The bed scale can provide an accurate measurement of his weight and help monitor his fluid status.

Choice C Reason: Directing the UAP to delay weighing the client until later is not an appropriate action because it may result in missing or inaccurate data. The nurse should ensure that the client is weighed at the same time every day, preferably in the morning, before any fluid intake or output.

Choice D Reason: Documenting that the client refused daily weights is not an adequate action because it does not reflect the nurse's responsibility to provide quality care for the client. The nurse should try to resolve the issue of weighing the client and documenting the outcome and any interventions.

A) This client has a mild fever, which may indicate an infection or inflammation. This is a potential complication of enteral feedings, but it is not the most urgent situation. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, assess the feeding tube site, and notify the provider if the fever persists or worsens.
B) This client has signs of uremic encephalopathy, which is a life-threatening condition caused by the accumulation of toxins in the brain due to impaired renal function. The nurse should intervene immediately to prevent further
neurological damage and possible coma or death. The nurse should assess the client's level of consciousness, check the blood pressure and urine output, and prepare to administer dialysis or other treatments as ordered by the provider.
C) This client has heat stroke, which is a serious condition that can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and organ damage. However, the client is receiving a normal saline IV fluid bolus, which is an appropriate intervention to restore fluid volume and correct sodium levels. The nurse should continue to monitor the client's vital signs, skin
temperature, and urine output, and watch for signs of fluid overload or cerebral edema.
D) This client has hyperemesis gravidarum, which is a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and electrolyte imbalance. However, the client is receiving an infusion of Ringer's Lactate, which is an isotonic solution that can replenish fluid and electrolyte losses. The nurse should continue to monitor the client's vital signs, weight, and intake and output, and administer antiemetics or other medications as ordered by the provider.